Commencement FAQ

Caps and Gowns

Are caps and gowns required for me to participate in year-end celebrations?

Yes, caps and gowns (and hoods for master's and doctoral students), also known as regalia, are required to participate in the Graduate Hooding ceremonies, Ivy Cutting, and the Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement ceremonies. Regalia is not needed for Baccalaureate.

You won’t pre-order your honor cords. Honor cords may be purchased at the SPU Bookstore when caps and gowns are picked up. The Bookstore will have a list of graduating students who are eligible to purchase honor cords.

What if I forget to pick up my cap and gown from the SPU Bookstore?

If you are an undergraduate, the Bookstore will have a table at Key Arena, selling caps and gowns before the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony begins.

If you are a graduate student, the Bookstore will be open before the Graduate Hooding ceremonies and Graduate Commencement ceremony.

On which side should I wear my tassel?

If you are an undergraduate student, at the beginning of the ceremony you will wear the tassel on your cap (i.e., mortar board) on the right side.

Men will remove their caps for the invocation and leave them off until the conclusion of the Commencement address. Replace them prior to moving to the platform and remove them again for the benediction, replacing them for the recessional. Once all degrees are conferred, President Martin will instruct all undergraduates to move their tassels from the right to the left side.

If you are a graduate student, you will wear your tassel on the left side of your cap.

Tickets and Availability

Do I need a ticket to attend the Graduate Commencement ceremony or the Graduate Hooding ceremonies?

No! No tickets are needed for any of the graduate (master's and doctoral) events.

Do I really need a ticket to attend the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony?

Yes! Every individual — including students, faculty, and staff — needs a ticket to enter the arena (this helps to ensure that all those that enter Key Arena are there for the purpose of our Undergraduate Commencement ceremony). If you are a graduating student, order your tickets through Banner when you sign up to walk in the ceremony.

Tickets are available beginning Monday, April 10.

Parents: Your student is the only one who can request tickets for you.

Faculty and staff: You will receive your tickets at the arena.

Trustees: Your tickets will be mailed to you.

Do small children need tickets?

Children age 3 and up are required to have a ticket for admittance to Key Arena.

Am I limited in the number of tickets I can have for the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony?

Each student who requests tickets will be issued 10 tickets. If your family needs more, you, as the graduating student, can request additional tickets when you register (through Banner) to walk for Commencement.

I'm a parent, and my student didn’t give me a ticket. Can I get one from your office?

It is the policy of the University to deal only with students regarding tickets. You will need to work with your student to ensure you have tickets for the event.

Will I need a ticket if I leave Key Arena to grab some coffee or go back to the car to get something?

Yes. Please take your ticket with you if you leave the arena and plan to re-enter for the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. (Note: Since Key Arena concessions will not be open, you are free to bring beverages and food inside the arena.)

General Questions

How long will Commencement last?

Undergraduate Commencement will start at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 10, and should be finished by 3:30 p.m.

Graduate Commencement will start at 2 p.m., Friday, June 9, and should be finished by 3:15 p.m.

Who is the Commencement speaker this year?

The 2017 Undergraduate CommencementSpeaker: TBD

The 2017 Graduate Commencement Speaker: TBD

The 2017 Ivy Cutting Speaker: TBD

What should I do with my purse/personal items during the ceremonies?

There is no place to lock up, secure, or leave personal items and purses during either of the ceremonies. You must either leave items with a family member or carry them with you.

What time will the Key Arena entrances open for my Undergraduate Commencement guests?

The two main entrances to Key Arena (the west entrance on 1st Avenue North and the east entrance on the International Fountain side) will open for family members and guests at 11:45 a.m. Students must arrive no later than 12:00 p.m. and must enter through Gate 4A on the south side of Key Arena (on Thomas Street).

Will the concession stands be open at Key Arena?

No. The concession stands will not be open before, during, or after the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. However, bringing in your own water bottles, coffee, and food is allowed (no glass containers, please).

Are there any dining options on the SPU Campus on Friday, June 9?

Yes. See below for a list of dining options, as well as hours of operation.

SPU Campus Dining Options and Hours

June 9th, 2017

Academic Perks

7:30 am - 1:00 pm

C-Store

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Subway

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Common Grounds Coffee Shop

7:30 am - 11:30 am

Sandella's

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

*The SPU Bookstore will also be open from 8:30 - 7:00 pm on Friday, June 9.

Where should I meet my family after the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony has concluded?

Family members and guests will not be allowed onto the arena floor. Please plan to meet your guests on the Main Concourse or outside one of the arena's main east or west doors. If your family members and guests have rented a suite, you can join them up in the suite by checking in with the attendant at the suite entry area. Please be aware that the suites will be vacated an hour after Commencement is finished.

What should I wear to Commencement? What should my parents wear?

Please dress as you feel comfortable. What you wear to Commencement is a personal decision. People will be dressed in everything from three-piece suits to jeans and sweatshirts.

Undergraduate Commencement: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for all graduates.

Graduate Commencement: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for all graduates. Due to the outdoor nature of the ceremony, please come prepared for the weather (the ceremony will take place outdoors rain or shine). Since the ceremony takes place on the lawn, high-heeled shoes are not advised.

Will I get my diploma at Commencement?

Diplomas are not distributed during either of the Commencement ceremonies. Instead, you will receive yours in the mail once all requirements are completed, your grades have been posted for your degree, and all financial obligations to the University (e.g., fines, etc.) are met. During the ceremony, you will receive a diploma cover.

When can my parents expect to see me walk across the stage in Key Arena?

The awarding of degrees usually begins around 2:30 p.m., BUT this is subject to the length of the preceding speeches. Degrees will be awarded by school in the following order (but please note that students do not walk in alphabetical order):

School of Business, Government, and Economics

School of Education

School of Health Sciences (Nursing)

School of Psychology, Family, and Community

School of Theology

College of Arts and Sciences

Note: As the largest school, College of Arts and Sciences will have more than half of all bachelor’s degree candidates.

Can I watch a Live Stream of the ceremony?

Yes. SPU will be streaming all High Ceremonies live on our website. Visit our Live Streaming Page to view the following events:Ivy Cutting, Friday June 9, 9:30 a.m.Graduate Commencement, Friday June 9, 2:00 p.m.Undergraduate Commencement, Saturday June 10, 1:00 p.m.

Can I purchase photographs of the Commencement ceremony?

GradImages is the official photography company for Commencement. They will take a photograph of each graduate receiving their diploma, and you will get a proof in the mail shortly after the ceremony. You can contact the company at 1-800-628-4509, or by visiting gradimages.com.

In past years, a copy of the Commencement DVD was available for purchase following the ceremony. We will no longer be offering this service as the ceremonies will be readily available to watch at any time on the Live Stream site.

What about lost and found?

If you have lost an item at an on-campus event, contact the Office of the Provost at 206-281-2125 or graduationinfo@spu.edu.

If you have lost an item at the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony in Key Arena, go to the information booths on the main concourse at aisles 103 and 125. After the conclusion of Commencement, if the lost item is not retrieved, guests may contact Seattle Center Lost and Found at 206-684-7192.

Further inquiries can be made by contacting the Office of the Provost at 206-281-2125 or graduationinfo@spu.edu.

Are there recommended hotels and restaurants near SPU?

There are many hotels and restaurants in the areas directly surrounding SPU. The following hotels are listed by proximity to SPU's campus:

Parking and Directions

Key Arena has elevators and plentiful ADA seating for those in wheelchairs, as well as companion seats for those accompanying persons in the ADA section. Key Arena staff will be on hand to direct you. Vehicles displaying state-issued disabled parking permits will be allowed to drop off and pick up passengers in front of Key Arena on 1st Avenue North. View the complete list of special accommodations at Key Arena.

If you need ADA seating for on-campus Commencement events, or hearing interpretation for any of the events, please contact the Office of the Provost by May 16, at 206-281-2125 or graduationinfo@spu.edu, with the events you will be attending and the accommodations needed.

Did You Know?

The type of degree a student earns determines the color of the tassel on the cap.